Research & reports

Marté Antione Gifford · Scholars Crossing (Liberty University) · United States (Augusta)

A project at the Augusta Dream Center (ADC) in Augusta, United States, aims to design and implement a community garden, supplemented by local farmer partnerships. This initiative seeks to address food insecurity in the Central Savannah River Area by providing fresh produce, fostering nutrition education, and promoting long-term health equity, particularly in low-income and minority communities facing food deserts and food swamps. The project will develop a community garden for seasonal crops and education, supported by local farmer partnerships and workshops.

Francisco Tomatis, Ana Marí­a Bonet de Viola, Ulises Reno, Ouiam Fatiha Boukharta, Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia · · Argentina

In Argentina, public policies like the Argentine Plan Against Hunger and the ProHuerta Program have stimulated urban agriculture to address the food emergency crisis in early 2024. Despite urban gardening being recognized as a crisis-addressing strategy, the existence and future forms of public policies supporting urban gardens remain uncertain amid recent national political changes. Several barriers to integration and consolidation of these programs are highlighted.

Mercedes Muriel Sáiz · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Spain (Madrid)

This article examines the phenomenon of urban gardens from a socio-community perspective, based on a methodology combining a literature review and participant observation in the community garden Ensancha el huerto (Alcorcón, Madrid). The analysis shows that urban gardens operate as micro-ecosystems of mutual support and learning, but the study also highlights risks associated with institutionalization, commodification, and legal insecurity surrounding such initiatives.

Erni Suharini, Ervando Tommy Al Hanif, Supriyadi Supriyadi, Hariyanto Hariyanto, Mohammad Syifauddin · Journal of Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community service program was implemented to strengthen the organizational capacity of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) Puspitasari in Sampangan, Semarang, Indonesia. The program provided training and mentoring based on the POAC management cycle (planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling), combined with guidance on basic digital archiving using tools like Google Drive and spreadsheets. Evaluating 23 participants with a pretest–posttest design, the program showed a significant improvement in mean scores from 64.35 to 83.04, indicating enhanced participant knowledge and readiness in organizational planning, role distribution, meeting documentation, and evidence-based evaluation.

Ana Wahyuni, Stephanus Widjaja, Deny Nitalia M · Jurnal Pengabdian dan Pengembangan Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Semarang)

A community service activity was conducted for members of UP2K TP PKK in Maltiharjo Village, Semarang, to introduce and implement urban farming concepts. The activity included technical training in vertical vegetable cultivation and regular mentoring, showing an increase in participants' knowledge and skills. Harvested produce was used for family consumption, as healthy menu additions, and as an income source through sales, demonstrating urban farming's potential to support food security and create productive green environments.

Naomi Shimpo · · Japan (Kobe City)

This chapter presents two case studies of community gardens in old neighborhoods of Kobe City, Japan, to demonstrate their establishment process and the social connections formed. Community gardens serve as open spaces for evacuation and food sources after earthquakes, and daily gardening activities can build social capital crucial for mutual aid in a crisis. The cases illustrate the potential for social capital building through community gardening, particularly for foreign and elderly residents, and highlight the need for city government support for such bottom-up disaster preparedness efforts.

Laura Sheard, Giorgia Previdoli, Wendy Burton, Rachel Benchekroun, Maddy Power, Bob Doherty, Philip Hadley, Ariadne Beatrice Kapetanaki, Shahid Islam, Sairah Mirza, Claire Cameron, Kate E. Pickett, Angela Hutton, Charlotte Edwards, Maria Bryant · PLoS ONE · United Kingdom

This research protocol describes a mixed-methods study aiming to understand which approaches adopted by community food organizations are most likely to prevent the need for emergency food in two multicultural communities in Bradford and Tower Hamlets, England. The study will create a typology of community food organization approaches through surveys, system mapping workshops, and stakeholder interviews, and will conduct a 12-month ethnographic study in up to 10 organizations and longitudinal qualitative research with up to 35 families.

· International Journal of Business and Technology Management · Malaysia

This systematic literature review explored behavioral determinants affecting the B40 income group's participation in Smart Urban Farming (SUF) in Malaysia. The review found that B40 farmers face difficulties sustaining SUF projects due to limited financial literacy, poor management, and dependence on external support. A conceptual framework was developed, identifying key behavioral determinants across perceived support and incentives, internal factors, and external factors.

Eliana Saracino · Ri-Vista Research for landscape architecture · Global

This paper explores how urban gardening practices can foster transcultural integration and support migrants in redefining their identity. Through the analysis of established case studies, it is shown that the shared care of a cultivated space can overcome cultural barriers and propose a model of authentic integration based on dialogue and mutual respect.

Jairus Rossi, Tamora Pierce, Shuoli Zhao, Timothy Woods · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Kentucky)

A survey was conducted among 172 shareholders and non-shareholders of an employer-sponsored CSA voucher program at the University of Kentucky to understand consumer values influencing their decision to join a CSA. Best-worst scaling analysis showed that subscribers were primarily interested in product quality and local economic impacts, while those who declined a CSA focused on perceived food affordability.

Fanny Shinta Junita, Devy Puspasari Siswaningrum, Nur Rahmi Fajri Yanti, Wendi Gustira · Prospect Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia (Depok)

This article discusses the AKASIA Program, an elderly empowerment initiative implemented with the Anyelir 2 Farmers Group in Harjamukti Village, Depok, Indonesia. The program supported elderly garden activities using a community empowerment approach, including urban farming training, organic waste processing, cultivation facilities, and ongoing mentoring. Results demonstrated that the program not only provided productive, social, and recreational space for seniors but also significantly improved their happiness, relaxation, and quality of life. Furthermore, it contributed to reducing organic waste and opening economic opportunities through the sale of agricultural products.

Daniela Haluza, Julia Ortmann, Tanja Lazic, Jonas Hillmer · Sustainability · Global

This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of urban gardening research from 1991 to 2020 using VOSviewer. The field has grown steadily since the early 1990s, with a shift in focus over the last two decades from poverty and food security to the impact of urban gardening on human well-being and quality of life, predominantly in developed countries. Recent studies indicate differentiated impacts of urban gardening on various socioeconomic groups. Despite robust evidence of public health benefits, policy implementation remains limited, and researchers emphasize the need for more quantitative data to inform decisions.

Nagwa Babiker Abdalla Yousif, Shadia Abdel Rahim Mohammed, Enaam Youssef, S. Behari · Sustainability · Sudan (Khartoum State)

An interview study was conducted with 100 female farmers in Omdurman’s Algamwai area, Khartoum State, Sudan, from 2022 to 2023. This research examined the intersection of gender, technology, and socioeconomic equity in digital urban agriculture. It showed that despite structural inequalities, including 45% restricted land ownership, 5% limited credit access, and inadequate extension services, female farmers are driving innovation and sustainability. Digital urban agriculture provides income opportunities (76% rely on it) and serves as a platform for equitable participation, though systemic disparities need to be addressed.

Lori Leigh, Edward Randal, Amber Logan, Karen Witten, Crystal Victoria Olin, Elinor Chisholm, Philippa Howden‐Chapman · Local Environment · New Zealand

An Indigenous-led community garden (māra kai) in an urban social housing environment in New Zealand was examined. Guided by an Indigenous model of wellbeing and using go-along interviews, the study found that this community initiative uplifted the autonomy, confidence, and wellbeing of community housing residents. This was achieved by fostering healthy relationships with themselves, their immediate community, and the wider community across the city.

Abdulrazaq Kamal Daudu, S. A. Aderinoye-Abdulwahab, Oyedola Waheed Kareem, Alhassan Abdul‐Wakeel Karakara, Latifat Kehinde Olatinwo, Halimah Olayinka Egbewole · Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship · Nigeria (Southwest Nigeria)

This study surveyed 420 urban farming households in Southwest Nigeria to explore how gender influences access to e-logistics platforms and their impact on farm sales. Findings revealed significant gender gaps, with male-headed households more likely to use and benefit from e-logistics than female-headed households. Women faced additional constraints like limited credit and mobility, and while e-logistics improved overall farm sales and benefited poorer farmers relatively more, gains for women remained smaller than for men.

M. Elusaiwe, K. Atusa, Kanya Hilary · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Nigeria

This study investigated the efficiency of agricultural extension agents in promoting urban gardening among 250 respondents in 10 urban areas across two local government areas in Delta State, Nigeria. Findings revealed that most urban farmers, predominantly female civil servants, married women, or widows, were not visited by extension agents, nor were they encouraged to use growth media or form agricultural societies.

Mateus Andrade Rocha Vitório, Victor Guilherme Pereira da Silva Marques, Rivanna Sousa Moura, Sarah Lays Campos da Silva, Fernanda Raquel Andrade da Silva Dos Santos, Diego Rodrigues de Sousa, Sabrina Amorim Paulo, Michelle Vicente Torres · Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro · Brazil (Teresina)

This qualitative experience report describes the "Hortiviva" project, conducted from April to December 2024, by residents of the Family Health Residency Program at the State University of Piauí, Brazil. The project involved 15 to 30 family horticulturists in a community garden in northern Teresina, focusing on health education through monthly meetings and active methodologies. Results showed the community garden became a therapeutic space for socialization, income generation, and well-being, strengthening ties between professionals and the community.

Diane Keen · Global Qualitative Nursing Research · Global

This participatory action research explored ways to enhance the well-being of four young adults with developmental disabilities and five older adults through intergenerational interaction in a community garden. Using semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and field notes, the study identified five themes of well-being: engagement, positive relationships, accomplishment, meaning and purpose, and positive emotion. The research found that enlisting the wisdom of older adults enhanced the well-being of both young adults with developmental disabilities and the older adults themselves.

Hedwig Ajeng Grahani, Seno Budhi Ajar · Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi Bisnis · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

This study investigated how urban farming contributes to household income and shapes income disparities among urban farmers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using data from 217 urban farming households. Urban farming's contribution to total income was lowest among low–middle income households (1.38%) and highest among middle–high income households (50.06%), with an overall average of 30.98%. Regression analysis confirmed that higher-income households gain more from urban farming, while other income sources reduce its relative importance. These results suggest urban farming serves as a key income generator for wealthier households but remains supplementary for poorer ones.

Manda Ayu Febrianti, Dewi Casmiwati · JIIP - Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A qualitative descriptive study in Kampung Ijo, Surabaya City, Indonesia, investigated women's empowerment through urban farming innovation. Focusing on three stages—awareness, capacity building, and empowerment—the study found that urban farming provided economic, social, and environmental benefits to the local community. However, limitations such as minimal local government support and technical challenges during the rainy season were also identified.

Helene Gallis, Kimberly Weger, Adam Curtis · · Norway (Oslo)

This contribution presents Norwegian experiences from Nabolagshager and its founder Helene Gallis, focusing on the development of urban agriculture projects in Oslo. Gallis argues for a more systematic application of placemaking principles in urban agriculture to enhance social well-being. Her experience suggests that combining placemaking with urban agriculture can empower community members, residents, and fragile and undesirable groups to co-create urban agriculture in public spaces, highlighting the transformative impact of using the placemaking principle of triangulation in these projects.

Dennis Raphael · Policy Press eBooks · Canada; United Kingdom

This chapter documents the growth of charitable non-governmental responses to food insecurity in Canada and the UK, including food banks, food diversion schemes, and community gardens. It is shown that these responses are problematic as they fail to address the economic and political causes of food insecurity. Further failures associated with charitable responses include the experience of stigma and degradation by food bank users and the promulgation of the belief that food insecurity is being addressed.

Jasmine C. Barredo, Sarah G. Colbert, Ada F. Dhaouadi, Samhitha Kolapalli, Elaina Y. Wi · VTechWorks (Virginia Tech) · Global

This literature review evaluates three community strategies involving diet and exercise to mitigate symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The strategies include food-access programs connecting SNAP with Community Supported Agriculture for healthy meals, pricing policies like taxes on high-sugar beverages and subsidies for healthier foods, and structured community exercise programs. These interventions aim to improve PCOS by alleviating symptoms such as insulin resistance and irregular menstruation.

Eduardo Fernandes Martinello, Wanderley de Jesus Souza, José Virtuoso · REMEA - Revista Eletrônica do Mestrado em Educação Ambiental · Brazil

This article presents a successful experience in Araranguá, Santa Catarina, Brazil, where environmental education and popular extension movements facilitated the conversion of an underutilized urban space into a community garden. The garden produces food for people experiencing food vulnerability, and the experience demonstrated community engagement and knowledge construction by learners.

Andrade, Roseleide Dantas · A Revista Agroambiente On-line (Universidade Federal de Roraima, UFRR) · Brazil (Fortaleza)

This experience report reflects on visits to the EMEIEF Paulo Sarasate School in Fortaleza, Brazil, as part of the Youth and Adult Education (EJA) discipline at the State University of Ceará. Observations included a community garden and projects like an antiracist initiative and the Florescer Project for women. Discussions with pedagogical coordination highlighted challenges such as dropout and resource scarcity, but also recognized EJA's role in inclusion, self-esteem, and social transformation.